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Going Dutch: integration the hard way

Passing a Dutch integration exam is mandatory for most non-EU immigrants. This should be done within 3 years after their arrival, under the threat of a fine or non-extension of the residency permit. The exam fee is 350 EUR. The preparation course costs 4000-5000 EUR on average.

Since 2013, all immigrants “subject to mandatory integration,” including asylum seekers, must bear all relevant costs themselves.

A recent report from the Court of Audit revealed that only 30% of asylum seekers manage to comply with the new integration requirements. Given the associated costs, this is hardly surprising. Yet, the Dutch integration policy is fundamentally unfair for more than simply the economic reasons.

The Netherlands is one of the most radical examples of “one-way” integration, where newcomers are encouraged – and indeed forced – to adapt to the local mode of living. This includes far more than learning about the Dutch language and culture. (Non-European) immigrants are also told to behave in a “civic” manner - in the Prime Minister’s words, “doe het normaal, of ga weg”2 - and, in the near future, to sign a declaration subscribing to the “Dutch values.”

The content of the integration exam is a good illustration of deep stereotyping and cultural prejudice 3. Indeed, the majority of the questions seem to be addressed to a Muslim, non-white, uneducated person, aspiring to a cleaner or carpenter job. The exam authors worry that foreigners would typically forget to honor their appointments, show up at Dutch homes unannounced, and skip work. The questions further presume that foreigners are loud, rude, and “asocial”, and carry an implied notion that the Dutch are always considerate and polite. (Ironically, the Dutch are often perceived by foreigners in exactly the opposite way. Just think the supermarket or driving behavior. )

The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has long been criticising the Dutch integration policy. The most recent report published in 2013 reads: “In its third report ECRI recommended that the Dutch authorities genuinely reflect on their policies the idea of integration as a two-way process. To this end, it strongly recommended that the Dutch authorities develop a credible policy at central government level to address the integration deficit among the majority population, by promoting genuine respect for diversity and knowledge of different cultures or traditions and eradicating deep-rooted stereotypes on cultures and values...”

It is sad that the Netherlands, which was once admired worldwide for its openness to the other cultures, is now promoting the dominance of the “Dutchness.” Arguably, it is also counter-productive to the development of the Dutch society. By shielding itself from the alternative values, opinions and modes of life, it risks to fall into stagnation. It deprives itself of the possibility of self-reflection and self-criticism.